Spain and Argentina set for Qatar showdown in intercontinental Finalissima

The European champions Spain and Copa America victors Argentina are scheduled to face off in the Finalissima global super final on March 27 in Qatar according to an announcement from the South American and European football bodies on Thursday.

This fixture is set to occur just under three months prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States Mexico and Canada offering a key opportunity to assess the current strength of reigning world champions Argentina and Spain who count among the top contenders for the North American event.

The Finalissima highlights the pinnacle of football by uniting elite national teams from Europe and South America UEFA the continents governing organisation stated on its site.

In the last Finalissima Argentina triumphed over Italy with a 3-0 scoreline thanks to strikes by Lautaro Martinez Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala back in June 2022 at Wembley Stadium.

Spain lead the current FIFA world rankings with Argentina placed just behind in second position.

A highlight of the encounter will be the clash between Argentinas Lionel Messi and Spains young talent Lamine Yamal representing the legacy and future of Barcelona.

Lusail Stadium holds special significance for Argentinas supporters as it was there that their leader Messi hoisted the World Cup prize three years earlier.

For the forthcoming World Cup Spain find themselves in Group H with Uruguay Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.

Argentina are placed in Group J alongside Algeria Austria and Jordan.